The global pandemic, coupled with the fallout from the UK Brexit deal, has had a huge impact on UK businesses.

The commercial cleaning sector is one such sector that has been hit hard by these major developments.

In this article, we will be outlining the impact that Brexit and COVID-19 have had on the commercial cleaning sector, before sharing how JMS Cleaning has been navigating this difficult period.

What impact has Brexit and COVID-19 had on UK companies?

According to the Office of National Statistics, in October 2021, 6% of UK companies permanently ceased trading.

Furthermore, the ONS figures show that the Administrative and Support Service sector (which includes commercial cleaning companies) has been one of the most seriously affected.

According to the ONS, 10% of companies in the sector ceased trading in October, which is significantly higher than the average rate across all sectors.

Although the pandemic has, naturally, necessitated that all companies improve their cleaning procedures, this hasn’t created an overall net increase in profits for professional cleaners.

In fact, a recent report from the British Cleaning Council revealed that:

“The service sector has not recovered to pre pandemic levels. As part of the service sector, the cleaning and hygiene industry is directly impacted by the operation of other sectors.”

Since 31% of all businesses had temporarily or permanently closed sites in March 2021, a staggering 50% of UK businesses stating that COVID-19 has increased their financial losses, and 1 in 5 UK businesses reporting that they experienced trade disruption, it is easy to see how the cleaning sector was heavily impacted by this nationwide fallout.

Since companies are rapidly closing their offices, some temporarily and others permanently, there is much less need for professional cleaning services.

According to a fascinating report by Savill’s, in the City of London, there has been a 50% decrease in the uptake of office spaces, as a direct result of the pandemic. And, with many businesses benefitting from the cost savings of reducing their office spaces and encouraging staff to work from home, it’s unlikely that office rentals will return to pre-pandemic levels any time soon.

Alongside the fact that COVID-19 has significantly cut many business’s profits, the pandemic has also caused major staffing issues (as many staff were either required to work from home, or were put on furlough) and has forced organisations to change their normal supply chain, due to transportation or supply issues.

The challenge of this period is two-fold, as organisations also have to cope with the long-term impact of Brexit.

Many UK companies, including those in the commercial sector, have had to quickly re-think their operations, in order to navigate new legislation and restrictions.

Firstly, the reduction in free movement of migrant workers, many of whom are employed in the cleaning sector, has caused significant staffing issues. Now, many of these workers will no longer have the authority to work in the UK, meaning commercial cleaning companies have to quickly find new talent to hire within the UK.  

Although some are of the opinion that this gives UK cleaners more opportunities for employment, there will inevitably be significant competition within the job market, amongst different hiring companies. This shortage of non UK workers caused by Brexit has driven up costs due to the competition to get the right cleaning staff

How are commercial cleaning companies navigating this period?

Although the situation is still complicated and challenging, the cleaning sector at large is adapting its practices and cleaning procedures, in order to respond to the situation in the best way possible.

Despite facing some of the greatest challenges of our generation, we are immensely proud to say that JMS Cleaning is still successfully overcoming these hurdles.

We have achieved this by innovating and adapting, re-thinking our services in order to provide a best-fit solution for the current requirements of our clients.

A key example of this is the flexibility of our service. We work with our clients to develop flexible cleaning schedules, which work around their requirements and working hours.

We also offer a wide range of contracted cleaning plans, including everything from daily schedules, to a one-off cleaning service. Furthermore, we can also tailor our services to fulfil the specific requirements of sites in any industry, of any size.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s never been more important to keep your business clean, sanitised and free of germs. Starting by creating the perfect cleaning routine, here at JMS Cleaning Services we get to work using up to date products and methods to keep your workplace sanitised. We also conduct fogging so that the entire space is deep cleaned. Fogging is a quick and efficient way to disinfect surfaces across large areas without missing anything. The fog produced is antimicrobial, eliminating traces of COVID-19 and other types of viruses for up to two months. It is utterly harmless to humans.

It is this flexibility, coupled with the outstanding quality of our service and our commitment to using the industry’s most effective cleaning products, that has enabled us to achieve a rate of repeat business of over 90%.

So, if you would like to find out more about any of our commercial cleaning services, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch with the JMS Cleaning team today.

The post The impact of Brexit & COVID-19 on the Commercial Cleaning Sector appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

How in-house cleaning can increase school absences

Illnesses related to respiratory problems are often caused by airborne particles, such as mould. In a place where children play and learn, it is the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to transmit between children and spread through surfaces. It is estimated that each student takes 10 days off a year due to these kind of illnesses, as they can often cause stronger symptoms in  younger children. Therefore, it is important to make sure these areas are consistently cleaned with anti-bacterial cleaning products.

Often, schools try to save money by employing in-house cleaners or getting the teachers to clean their own classrooms. This, however, is a self-deprecating cycle, as schools are taking teachers away from what they are employed to do and teachers may be too busy to do the cleaning thoroughly enough. Furthermore, an overworked teacher is more susceptible to illnesses due to a depleted immune system.

Here are 3 reasons why hiring JMS Cleaning Services would benefit your nursery or school:

1. Funding – Schools get funding based off a variety of reasons, one of which is absenteeism. OFSTED uses the rates of absenteeism to determine how responsive the school is in ensuring that students attend and are fully interactive with the curriculum. Funding is cut when absenteeism rates are high – a harsh but effective rule implemented by councils. By hiring JMS Cleaning Services, we can ensure absences caused by illness are reduced, by giving your buildings a deep clean with products that prevent the spread of any viruses and bacteria.
2. Cross contamination – It is common knowledge that bacteria spreads quickly within a heavily used building. Studies show that bacteria placed on a doorknob can spread throughout a building, reaching 40%-60% of surfaces within 2 – 4 hours. By having a school cleaning company consistently eliminating bacteria from surfaces, you will be able to keep absenteeism rates down.
3. Sick pay – Parents often have to use their own holiday or sick leave to look after sick children, costing both your organisation and the parents. Some parents simply can’t afford to take time off work and pay for childcare, so this may cut into your profits due to parents requesting fewer days than before. Those parents that can’t afford to take time off may just send their children into school anyway, causing even more absenteeism when other children fall ill. Parents entrust nurseries and schools to provide the safest environment possible for their children to learn and play in. By paying attention to your organisation’s cleaning methods, you will be able to save parents and yourself a substantial amount of money – meaning our cleaning service will essentially pay for itself.

JMS Cleaning Services offer comprehensive day nursery and school cleaning for customers based in the Manchester, Stockport, and Cheshire area. Our expert team of cleaners are fully experienced and equipped to carry out an extensive cleaning service, using safe and high-grade cleaning treatments for any nursery or school. To find out more about our office cleaning services don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.

The post Absenteeism: The Opportunity Cost of Hiring School Cleaning Companies appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

Main entrance

The first thing clients see when they enter a building is the entrance and foyer. Make the best impression by investing in a spotless entrance, cleaned regularly by a professional.

• Windows must be cleansed of grease marks and water staining; for this, a specialist window cleaning fluid is applied to make for perfectly transparent glass.
• Doors in modern buildings are often made of sleek glass and stainless steel and therefore need cleansing of fingerprints and grime in much the same way as windows – with a specifically formulated cleaning detergent.
• Surfaces, such as coffee tables and reception desks, are important to keep clean and not just for appearance’s sake; cleaning these vital areas maintains a high standard of hygiene.
• Floor mats stop people from tracking mess into the rest of the building, and as such require a good vacuuming everyday; either before or after business hours is best.
• Refuse bins are crucial for maintaining a tidy appearance. Bin liners must be removed and disposed of appropriately on a daily basis to avoid unpleasant sights and smells.

Stairs

Stairs are busy areas in the building and require care and attention when cleaning. They are worth the time and effort, however, because so much traffic passes through the stairwell.

• Stair and landing carpets are a first port of call because these areas collect the most dirt from people’s shoes. A thorough vacuuming and the occasional stain removal can make a world of difference.
• Hard floors require mopping with a quick drying detergent, as well as using the correct safety signage while the floor dries; once completed, all the grime and dirt is gone and is replaced by an impressive sheen.
• Glass panels give a contemporary and clean look, but only when washed regularly with warm water and cleaning solution.
• Bannisters, railings and dado rails benefit from dusting and a wipe down with antibacterial solution, since these fixtures are regularly handled to aid people up and down the stairs.
• Light fixtures become conspicuous when they are dirty and any build up of cobwebs and insect debris must be removed to maintain a hygienic environment.

Lifts

If you have a lift in your building, it probably does a great job of making your business more accessible for everyone. Because of heavy foot traffic, you get the most from your lift when it is kept spotless. A lift is typically a small space, so its level of hygiene is always noticed quicker than any other larger space in the building.

• Keypads and buttons are pressed by hundreds of people over their lifetime; without a thorough scrub, they can become dirty and unappealing.
• Walls and ceilings, especially those made of glass, stainless steel and mirror fixtures require dusting and wiping down multiple times to remove dirt and avoid streaking.

JMS Cleaning Services deliver immaculate living and working environments in North West England. Our team are ideally located to provide domestic & commercial cleaning services in Crewe, Macclesfield, Manchester, Liverpool And Warrington, and will work around your schedule for complete convenience. Whether it is daily office cleaning, one-off deep cleaning of a new home, or floor-stripping after major building works, JMS deliver on the promise of a tidy, clean and hygienic space. Contact our friendly team today, or use our quick quote form at the top of this page!

The post Cleaning Entrances, Lifts and Stairways in a Commercial Building appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

If you manage a commercial property or are part of a business who needs regular cleaning services, here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions about the cleaning of communal areas.

We offer daily cleaning visits and a range of services (including construction site cleaning), and have put together some of the most common questions we get asked by customers.

Especially during Covid-19, you need to make sure your communal areas are kept clean, and in most cases this is down to the landlord of the property to manage.

How much does a communal area clean cost?

We work hard to deliver a fantastic service at the lowest prices possible without affecting the level of service, and these vary depending on the size of the area to be cleaned and how often you require our services.

Contact one of our friendly advisors who will be able to help and supply a quote. Alternatively, you can use our quick quote form at the top of this page to receive your quote.

Give us a call on [ld_default] today!

What is included in communal area cleaning?

You can tailor cleaning tasks to your exact needs. Here is a typical list of jobs for the average communal area clean:

– Thorough dusting and antibacterial wet-wiping of fixtures, surfaces and woodwork

– Vacuuming of carpeted, wood and vinyl floors

– Mopping and rinsing of hard floors

– Buffing of vinyl and wooden floors (if applicable)

– Cleaning of coffee machines, kettles and appliances

– Cleaning of communal toilets and replenishment of toilet rolls, paper towels and soaps

– Removal of litter

– Spot cleaning of glass stairwells and entrance areas

Can I alter my cleaning schedule and tasks at anytime?

Yes. We are very flexible and cleaning schedules can be altered or upgraded at any time. Tasks can be added or removed as needed and the number of cleans can be increased or decreased.

Just contact one of our friendly staff to organise any alterations.

What times of the day do you clean?

It is important that cleaning does not affect your working day, so our cleaners are available to work around your business hours either before or after the working day. Whatever your preferences, you are guaranteed a perfectly clean communal working environment each morning.

Provide details of your requirements over the phone or on the quick quote form at the top of this page so we can tailor our services to you.

What areas do you cover?

We proudly serve businesses, residential properties, schools and more across Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

What other cleaning services do you provide?

We provide a range of services including;

– Contract Cleaning

– Office Cleaning

– Daily Cleaning

– One-Off Deep Cleaning

– School Cleaning

– Nursery Cleaning

– End of Tenancy Cleaning

– Builders Cleaning

Call us on [ld_default] for a quote.

What are your industry qualifications?

Aside from our experience cleaning for a range of clients, JMS Cleaning Services have acquired several accreditations for our industry leading practices.

We are members of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Constructionline. To read more about our accreditations, read about them in our post.

JMS Cleaning Services provide the finest cleaning services in the North West of England. From daily cleaning of offices, schools and residential buildings, to jet-washing and floor-stripping after building projects, we can provide a clean, tidy and hygienic environment.

Our team are experienced and accredited so you can be assured of the finest products and services. Contact one of our advisors today to receive a quote, or alternatively use our quick quote form at the top of this page.

The post Cleaning Communal Areas in Commercial Properties FAQs appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

Here at JMS Cleaning Services, our team have a wealth of experience cleaning schools and day nurseries to a high quality.

We specialise in Day Nursery Cleaning, if you need our help, give us a call on [ld_default] for a quote today!

We’ve listed some of the reasons why regular cleaning for a day nursery is essential below.

Covid-19 School Safety

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, it is important that all staff and students can wash / sanitise their hands regularly. Be sure to have sanitising stations or pumps around the school.

The Government have said that the use of face coverings by staff and pupils in some schools, and to learners in further education is mandatory. Children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults.

– Wash your Hands, Wear a Mask and Social Distance.

See more Government information.

Clean environment

Regular cleaning of your day nursery will ensure there is a consistently tidy, hygienic environment. Regardless of the health benefits of a clean nursery, regular maintenance makes it an overall better place for the children to spend their day in, and for staff to work in.

– Clean workplaces, schools, and nurseries all promote a more welcoming, positive atmosphere, so employing cleaning services to keep your day nursery spick and span will make everyone happier to be there.

Food safety

It can be difficult to keep track of all the children in a day nursery, and to make sure they are washing their hands at appropriate times. This can often lead to food becoming contaminated, or surfaces used to prepare food not being clean.

Having a regular cleaning service will ensure surfaces are frequently cleared of bacteria and stay hygienic for food to be prepared on or eaten off.

– With young children particularly susceptible to illness or even food poisoning from bacteria picked up when handling improperly prepared food, it is essential that these areas are kept clean constantly.

Infection prevention

Young children and babies are vulnerable to germs, lacking the immune systems that enable adults to easily fight off germs that can be picked up from food and surfaces and transmitted through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Germs picked up by young children in the day nursery could quickly lead to infection and illness, so it’s essential that the environment is kept clean and germ-free.

– Our regular cleaning service sanitizes every surface, ensuring that germs that may be found throughout the day nursery are eradicated, preventing infection to the children.

Professional cleaning

Your employees may not have the time or the adequate training to ensure your day nursery is cleaned thoroughly and on a regular basis. This is essential to ensure the spread of infection and illness to young children is eliminated, so the best course of action is to hire a professional cleaning service to take the burden off your staff.

We specialise in Day Nursery Cleaning, if you need our help, give us a call on [ld_default] for a quote today!

Our team provide a consistent high quality clean to your premises, and our flexible schedules mean we can fit in with your requirements. Get in touch with us today for more information, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

The post The Importance of Regular Cleaning for Day Nurseries appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

Improved productivity

Not only has it been proven that a cleaner work environment promotes productivity amongst employees, but using commercial cleaning services for your windows also ensures employees can focus on their own job responsibilities. Rather than having the additional task of cleaning windows, a cleaner can carry out this task safely and efficiently, while staff can do their main tasks.

Safety

Keeping the windows clean makes everyone safer, reducing the risk of hazards in the workplace. What’s more, using a professional cleaning services ensures your windows will be cleaned by a trained professional. Window cleaning can be dangerous, and having untrained employees tasked with this job could put them at risk.

Maintains Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene standards within the workplace is extremely important, as germs and bacteria can easily spread to all employees. Keeping the windows free of dirt and grime is just another step to ensuring a healthy atmosphere remains in the office, and that uncleanly windows are not putting employees’ health at risk.

Good impressions

Dirty windows are not only unhygienic but also unsightly, and can make a bad impression on both employees and guests to the office. Keeping them clean regularly reflects the professionalism of your business, and will likely make a lasting impression on your clients.

Better presentation

Our commercial cleaners use industry approved tools and a wealth of experience to ensure the job is carried out safely and professionally. This will result in a far better finish than an untrained employee trying to clean the windows, and will also mean that they do not need to be done again for a while.

Here at JMS Cleaning Services, we offer premier window cleaning throughout the North West, providing high-quality, professional cleaning services at competitive prices.

Contact us today for more information on the services we offer, or to discuss your office’s cleaning needs, and we’ll be happy to help.

The post The Benefits of Regular Window Cleaning appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

It’s easy for illness and germs to spread quickly around an office environment with many people, so keeping on top of the office cleaning through a professional commercial cleaning service is important to ensure a healthy and tidy working environment. We’ve listed just a few of the many benefits of having a tidy office space below!

Prevents Illness Spreading

Studies have shown that bacteria can spread rapidly around offices, with the majority of germs found in communal areas such as kitchens, on door handles and on light switches. If this is not monitored then illness can quickly spread around everyone using the premises, which can only be bad for business! A frequently cleaned office keeps bacteria at bay.

Less Stress

Messy desks can lead to you not being able to find the right notes, and feeling terribly unorganised! A clean space will allow you to relax knowing that everything is in it’s rightful place and easily accessible should you need it.

Increased efficiency

Office cleaning provides staff with a tidy workplace that in turn, maximises productivity. It has been proven that a clean working environment enables workers to focus on their daily tasks more efficiently and without distraction. Messy desks, on the other hand, can hinder people from working and lead to increased procrastination instead.

Better professional reputation

A clean and tidy office can make a huge impression on visitors and clients as soon as they’ve stepped through the door. Investing in a professional cleaning services ensures your business’ reputation stays as sparkling as the kitchen floor.

Less Safety Risks

Not only can an untidy office potentially spread germs and illness, but it could also present the risk of safety, too. Loose carpet tiles, dangerously stacked paperwork and messy kitchens can all pose a risk to staff, these should be regularly looked after and monitored to ensure everything is functioning safely.

Here at JMS Cleaning, we offer bespoke cleaning services to suit each client’s individual needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and we’ll be happy to help.

The post The Benefits of a Tidy Office appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.

Businesses are required by law to follow good food hygiene practices to prevent food contamination. This includes keeping your premises clean, preventing airborne contamination and providing adequate handwashing facilities for staff.

The only way to ensure that your commercial catering area is kept clean and fully compliant with regulations is to organise professional and regular cleaning from the experts.

Here at JMS Cleaning Services we provide Contract Cleaning services, and even One-Off Deep Cleans.

Give us a call on [ld_default] for a quote today!

However, there are a number of simple tasks that should be carried out each day whenever the kitchen has been in use.

Cleaning Tasks for a Commercial Kitchen:

Surfaces

Clean, then wipe with a bleach solution.

Equipment

If not thoroughly cleaned, components become a breeding ground for germs. Plastic and rubber components on smaller items, such as food processors and blenders, can be cleaned in a dishwasher if they are dishwasher safe. Compartments on bigger appliances, such as refrigerators, should be removed and washed where possible.

Plastic Food Storage Containers

These should be washed with hot water and disinfectant after each use.

Cleaning Cloths and Mops

Use a clean dishcloth daily. Also clean mops daily with a strong disinfectant.

Drains

Clean drains once a week by pouring a cup of hot water in followed by a cup of undiluted chlorine bleach a minute later and leave overnight.

Without regular cleaning, commercial kitchens become susceptible to a number of dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Dangerous Bacteria in Unclean Kitchens:

Covid-19

It is important that all staff and cooks in the kitchen wash their hands regularly with hand sanitiser, or disinfectant soap. Also, it would be advise that each member of staff that is working in the kitchen, or near it, to wear a face covering mask. See the Government advice.

Campylobacter

This is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK, causing over 100 deaths a year. Most cases come from contaminated poultry, but campylobacter is also found in red meat, unpasteurised milk and untreated water. It spreads easily to other foods, causing illness.

Listeria Monocytogenes

This causes the most food poisoning deaths. It can be present in milk and foods made from raw milk and can contaminate processed meats. Unlike many other germs, it can grow even in a cold refrigerator.

E.coli

Some foods are contaminated with E. coli because they are not prepared or cooked properly. Common food types include; ground beef, unpasteurised milk and fresh produce.

Salmonella

This is a bacterial disease of the intestinal tract. People become infected mostly through contaminated water or foods, especially meat, poultry and eggs.

Having a professional clean your kitchen is a good way to prevent the spread of disease. JMS Cleaning Services have years of experience in providing kitchen hygiene cleans for all commercial catering environments.

Organising a regular professional clean is the only way to keep your kitchen in the best condition, and JMS can arrange a cleaning schedule that is sympathetic to the needs of your business. Get in touch today to find out more.

Call us on [ld_default] for a quote.

The post The Dangers of an Unhygienic Commercial Kitchen appeared first on JMS Cleaning Services.